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Riwaq Al Fikr, Abu Dhabi Festival’s annual debate series, returned to the capital this year, connecting thinkers, diplomats and cultural leaders with students and the general public. The programme invited students from universities and educational institutions across the UAE for talks and discussions exploring the UAE’s cultural and creative industries.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said, "Each year, we aim to engage the youth of our country in debate and discussion with leading cultural figures to allow them to develop their intellect and capabilities, qualities which will support them as they become the nation’s next generation of leaders. This year, the students of Zayed University and Paris Sorbonne in Abu Dhabi are being given an invaluable opportunity to build upon their cultural knowledge and take advantage of the wealth of experience that these speakers have to offer. It is through long-term initiatives, such as Riwaq Al Fikr, that we can create the fertile ground that allows the seeds of creativity to take root and flourish."
The first talk, hosted on 8th of March on the occasion of International Women’s Day, explored ‘Women's Leadership in the 21st Century’. Students of Zayed University gained insights from Celeste Schenck, President of the American University of Paris (AUP), highlighting her great breadth of working experience accumulated over 25 years in the European education industry. The event also encouraged discussion and input from students, in a debate highlighting the importance of women’s participation and leadership across various sectors.
On 11th of March, the programme entered the world of arts management, with Mauro Bucarelli, Artistic Manager of the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia – an eminent orchestra marking their Arabian Gulf Debut with their headline performance at the Abu Dhabi Festival.
Riwaq Al Fikr is part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2018 Youth Platforms and Community Programmes, offering insightful dialogue on popular cultural topics. Since 2010, the programme has held 24 sessions, hosted 107 panellists, welcomed over 2,700 audience members and has provided more than 40 hours of stimulating intellectual discourse to students and the general public.
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